Distributed storage of authentication data

ABSTRACT

A biometric server receives, a transmission of a biometric sample and an encrypted enrollment template of the user from a client device, wherein the encrypted enrollment template comprises an encrypted mathematical representation of historical biometric data of the user, and wherein the biometric sample comprises a current snapshot of the biometric data. The biometric server decrypts the encrypted enrollment template to an enrollment template using an enrollment template key. The biometric server converts the biometric sample to a biometric template. The biometric server, based on determining that the biometric template is similar to the enrollment template associated with the user, sends an access token to the client device.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a field of authentication,verification, and access control systems and more particular to adistributed storage of authentication data.

Traditional username and password verification methods are substitutedby market demand for low friction authentication. Low frictionauthentication is a method of authentication and identification of auser or a device that does not require memorizing passwords by a userand is typically performed by biometric authentication, such as afingerprint scanner.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method, andprogram product for distributed storage of authentication data. Abiometric server receives, a transmission of a biometric sample and anencrypted enrollment template of the user from a client device, whereinthe encrypted enrollment template comprises an encrypted mathematicalrepresentation of historical biometric data of the user, and wherein thebiometric sample comprises a current snapshot of the biometric data. Thebiometric server decrypts the encrypted enrollment template to anenrollment template using an enrollment template key. The biometricserver converts the biometric sample to a biometric template. Thebiometric server, based on determining that the biometric template issimilar to the enrollment template associated with the user, sends anaccess token to the client device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a Distributed Storage of Authentication Data system,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the BiometricValidation Program of FIG. 1 during enrollment, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the BiometricValidation Program of FIG. 1 during authentication, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting the hardware components of theDistributed Storage of Authentication Data system of FIG. 1, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a cloud computing environment, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 depicts abstraction model layers, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Biometric data is stored and verified in accordance with two approaches.The first approach is a local authentication. Local authenticationstores all the biometric information on a local device and theauthentication is performed locally. An example of local authenticationis a smartphone with a fingerprint scanner that grants access when auser authenticates by scanning a fingerprint.

The second approach of local authentication is a remote serverauthentication. The remote server authentication approach uses anauthentication server that stores all the biometric data, such as abiometric template, as a mathematical representation of a biometric datasample initially collected during user enrollment and later used tocompare samples to authenticate the user.

To increase security and to protect a biometric template, the biometrictemplate is typically encrypted using asymmetric cryptography before thebiometric data sample is transferred over a public network. Asymmetriccryptography is any cryptographic method that uses pairs of keys. Thefirst key in a pair is a public key that may be widely disseminated andused to encrypt a data. The public key is paired with a private keywhich is known only to the owner who generated the key pair. The twomain functions achieved by pair public and private keys are toauthenticate that a message originated with a holder of the pairedprivate key and encrypting a message with a public key to ensure thatonly the holder of the paired private key may decrypt the message.

Modern authentication and access control systems are adopting two-factorauthentication (2FA) methods to identify a user combined with anasymmetric cryptography to protect data from unauthorized usage. A 2FAis a method to authenticate the user by utilizing a combination of twodifferent components of the three following categories: (i) userknowledge (such as password), (ii) user possession (such as smartphoneor computing device associated with the user), (iii) user inherence(such as biometric property of the user).

Typically, user identification and authentication are based on 2FAauthentication models, including biometric data, since devicesincreasingly incorporate biometric data scanners that may identify andauthenticate the user. Biometric authentication may be used in a widerange of restricted access services. However, centralized systemsincorporating biometric data for identification and authenticationfrequently experience user refusal to adopt the centralized 2FAauthentication methods (i.e. adoption resistance). One reason foradoption resistance is user privacy concerns as well as unauthorizedaccess to the user biometric data (e.g. third party hacking). Typically,the unauthorized access attempts rise when a large amount of biometricdata is stored in one place, such as on a single server, sincesuccessfully gaining access to such a large amount of data may result inthe unauthorized usage and dissemination of a vast amount of storedbiometric data and, therefore, cause a serious reputational harm to aservice provider. An economic concern also exists since storingbiometric data requires large data storage capabilities and moreaggressive scaling when more users are registering for the offeredservices.

An example embodiment provides a system, method, and program productthat may allow for secure storage of an encrypted template of biometricdata on a client device while user authentication is performed by abiometric server that stores only a key to decrypt the biometric dataand a hashing value of the template for template validation. Therefore,biometric data may not be stored on the biometric server, andunauthorized access to either the client device or the biometric servermay not compromise or grant access to the service that requiresbiometric authentication and identification. In addition, storagerequirements of the biometric server may be reduced since no biometrictemplates are stored on the biometric server.

FIG. 1 illustrates a Distributed Storage of Authentication Data (DSAD)system 100 that identifies and authenticates a user utilizing biometricdata, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an exampleembodiment, DSAD system 100 comprises a client device 110 and biometricserver 140 interconnected via network 198. DSAD system 100 implements anenrollment process to add a new user to the system by adding biometricdata associated with the new user as an identification andauthentication component, as described in greater detail with regard toFIG. 2. After enrollment, DSAD system 100 may perform an identificationand authentication process to grant an access to a client device thatprovided the corresponding new user biometric data associated with theenrolled new user biometric data as described in greater detail withregard to FIG. 3

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, network 198 is theInternet, representing a worldwide collection of networks and gatewaysto support communications between devices connected to the Internet.Accordingly, network 198 may include, for example, wired, wireless orfiber optic connections. In other embodiments, network 198 may beimplemented as an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide areanetwork (WAN). In general, network 198 may be any combination ofconnections and protocols that will support communications betweenbiometric server 140 and client device 110.

According to an example embodiment, client device 110 represents aplatform configured to collect a user biometric sample and bycommunicating with biometric server 140 to enroll, identify,authenticate, and receive access to a service controlled by biometricserver 140. For example, client device 110 may be a desktop computer, anotebook, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld device, asmart-phone, a thin client, or any other electronic device or computingsystem capable of receiving and sending data to and from other computingdevices, such as biometric server 140, via network 198. In an exampleembodiment, client device 110 includes biometric sample device 112 thatis configured to collect a sample from biometric sample device 112 andtransmit the biometric sample to client authentication program 114. Inother embodiments, biometric sample device 112 may be an external devicethat is connected to client device 110 by wired, wireless, or vianetwork 198.

Biometric sample device 112 may be an electronic device that is capableof receiving physical characteristics of the user, such as afingerprint, iris image, voice, typing speed, or pattern in key pressintervals and transform them into an electrical signal. According to anexample embodiment, biometric sample device 112 may be any devicecapable of capturing biometric data, such as a fingerprint reader, aretina scanner, or a voice recognition device. In other embodiments, apattern in key press intervals, typing speed variations or key pressuresensitivity may be analyzed, for example, by keystroke dynamicsanalyzing algorithms, when a user is instructed to type his own name orpredefined string of letters. In general, biometric sample device 112may be a sensor configured to receive and/or monitor physicalcharacteristics of the user for user authentication.

Client authentication program 114 may be a software program operating onclient device 110 and configured to request a biometric sample from auser, receive biometric sample data from biometric sample device 112,send the biometric sample to biometric server 140 after converting andencrypting the biometric template in accordance with biometricvalidation program 142 requirements, and receive a decision with orwithout an access token. An access token may be security credentialsthat identify the user and provide a login session to a service, anapplication, or any other restricted data or software.

According to an example embodiment, encrypted enrollment template 116may be a mathematical representation of the user biometric data such ashistorical biometric data collected from the user during an enrollmentand encrypted using asymmetrical encryption that may be decrypted onlyby enrollment template key 144. For example, if the biometric sampledevice 112 is a fingerprint scanner, then the encrypted enrollmenttemplate 116 is an encrypted mathematical representation of the userfingerprint scan that can be decrypted using enrollment template key 144stored on biometric server 140. Encrypted enrollment template 116 may bestored in the persistent memory of client device 110. After encryption,only Biometric Validation Program 142 may use the enrollment templatekey 144 associated with the user to decrypt the encrypted enrollmenttemplate 116.

According to an example embodiment, biometric server 140 may representan authentication platform configured to send and receive data fromclient device 110 over network 198. For example, biometric server 140may be a web server, file server, desktop computer, or any otherelectronic device or computing system capable of exchanging content overnetwork 198. Although not shown, optionally, biometric server 140 maycomprise a cluster of servers. In an example embodiment, biometricserver 140 may be a computing system that is optimized for the supportof multiple network requests related to enrollment and authentication ofusers operating client device 110. In this embodiment, biometric server140 may execute biometric validation program 142 that enrolls,authenticates, and grants access to a user by sending an access token toclient device 110. According to an example embodiment, biometric server140 may store authentication information associated with every enrolleduser, including enrollment template key 144 and enrollment template hashvalue 148.

According to an example embodiment, enrollment template key 144 may be apart of the asymmetric encryption key chain generated by biometricvalidation program 142 during enrollment of a new user. Enrollmenttemplate key 144 may be used to decrypt the biometric sample transferredfrom client authentication program 114 to biometric validation program142.

According to an example embodiment, enrollment template hash value 148may be a value that is generated by a cryptographic hash function. Acryptographic hash function may allow for verification of the input datamaps to a given hash value. According to an example embodiment, duringenrollment, the user enrollment biometric sample is converted to anenrollment template. Before encryption of the enrollment template, theenrollment template is converted to an enrollment template hash value148 by applying the cryptographic hash function to the enrollmenttemplate 116. The resulting enrollment template hash value 148 is storedin the persistent memory of biometric server 140. For example, thecryptographic hash function may be a checksum function (i.e. a digitrepresenting the sum of the correct digits in a piece of stored ortransmitted digital data) that, for example, divides the template datato bytes and sums the bytes to a final value that is stored asenrollment template hash value 148.

Biometric Validation Program (BVP) 142 may operate on biometric server140, and represent a software program configured to enroll,authenticate, and grant or reject user access by sending an access tokento client device 110 when the access is granted or a decision when theaccess is denied. The access token or the decision may be accompanied bya message explaining why the access was granted or rejected. Forexample, BVP 142 may grant access to a social media service afterreceiving a user biometric sample and encrypted enrollment template 116,decrypting, authenticating and comparing the template and the sample andsending back an access token to client device 110 that allows the userto view the associated social media service or website if thebiometrical sample and template are of the same enrolled user. Theoperations and functions of BVP 142 are described in further detailsbelow with regard to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of BVP 142 during userenrollment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Userenrollment may be a process that is required to collect a biometricsample from a user and convert the biometric sample to an enrollmenttemplate that is encrypted to create encrypted enrollment template 116and used by BVP 142 to authenticate the user during authentication.Referring to step 202, BVP 142 receives initiation of enrollment flowfrom client device 110. The enrollment flow may be initiated byreceiving specific data or a command from client device 110 via network198. According to an example embodiment, after enrollment initiation,BVP 142 initiates an asymmetric encrypted communication with clientauthentication program 114. For example, BVP 142 generates a key pair(i.e. a public key and a private key) and sends the generated public keyto client authentication program 114 to encrypt all the data with agenerated public key while the generated private key will be used by BVP142 to decrypt the biometric data sent back by client authenticationprogram 114.

After initiation of enrollment, client authentication program 114collects a biometric sample from biometric sample device 112 and sendsthe biometric sample with encrypted enrollment template 116 throughencrypted communication (i.e. asymmetric cryptography) to BVP 142.

Referring to step 204, BVP 142 receives a raw biometric sample for userenrollment, collected by biometric sample device 112 and transmittedthrough encrypted communication. For example, client authenticationprogram 114 configured to operate a smart phone with biometric sampledevice 112, such as a fingerprint scanner collects a raw biometricsample from a user, encrypts the raw biometric sample with a serverpublic key and transmits it to BVP 142.

Referring to decision 206, BVP 142 determines whether the biometricsample is valid, based on quality of the raw biometric sample. Accordingto an example embodiment, the raw biometric sample may be transmitted asan image. Therefore, BVP 142 may determine whether the raw biometricsample is valid if the raw biometric sample has correctly representedbiometric data. For example, the BVP 142 may determine a resolution, abrightness, a focus, and a saturation are above a preconfiguredthreshold value, and whether the raw biometric sample may be convertedto an enrollment template. According to an example embodiment, theenrollment template may represent a digital reference of distinctcharacteristics of the raw biometric sample to be compared with thebiometric sample of the user collected during authentication. If the rawbiometric sample is valid (decision 206, “YES” branch) BVP 142 proceedsto step 208. If the biometric sample is not valid (decision 208, “NO”branch) BVP 142 proceeds to step 222.

Referring to step 208, BVP 142 converts the raw biometric sample to anenrollment template. According to an example embodiment, BVP 142 appliesa corresponding biometrics technique to convert the biometric sample toan enrollment template and discards the raw biometric sample. Forexample, an enrollment template may be data extracted from apredetermined part of a monochromatic image, created from the rawbiometric sample of the finger and saved as the enrollment template inorder to compare against subsequent samples to aid in a userauthentication.

Referring to step 210, BVP 142 generates and stores an enrollmenttemplate hash value 148. According to an example embodiment, BVP 142 mayconvert the enrollment template to an enrollment template hash value 148by applying a cryptographic hash function or hashing by nonlinear lookupmethod. For example, converting the enrollment template using an SHA-1hashing technique that converts the enrollment template to a hash valuerendered as a hexadecimal number of 40 digits. Enrollment template hashvalue 148 may be used during authentication to validate that theenrollment template was not falsified or exchanged to gain access to theservice provided by BVP 140. According to an example embodiment,enrollment template hash value 148 may be stored in the persistentmemory of biometric server 140 and associated with the user. Forexample, enrollment template hash value 148, when stored, may beassociated with a user. In another embodiment, the hash value may beassociated with a client device 110, by associating enrollment templatehash value 149 with a unique identifier such as MAC address, IMEInumber, TCP/IP number, or other user or device unique identificationparameter.

Referring to step 212, BVP 142 encrypts the enrollment template andconverts the enrollment template to encrypted enrollment template 116.According to an example embodiment, BVP 142 may encrypt the enrollmenttemplate with the server generated public key received with the rawbiometric sample (step 204), while enrollment template key 144 may beused to decrypt the encrypted enrollment template 116. In anotherembodiment, BVP 142 may generate a new server key pair and encrypt theenrollment template with a new server public key and store the newserver public key as an enrollment template key 142. After generatingencrypted enrollment template 116 BVP 142 discards the enrollmenttemplate.

Referring to step 216, BVP 142 transmits encrypted enrollment template148 to client authentication program 114. Encrypted enrollment template148 may be stored by the client authentication program 114 in thepersistent memory of client device 110 and used for authenticationprocedures described in FIG. 3 below.

Referring to decision 218, BVP 142 determines whether the encryptedenrollment template 148 was successfully returned to clientauthentication program 114. According to an example embodiment, ifencrypted enrollment template 148 was received by client authenticationprogram 114, client authentication program 114 sends an acknowledgmentof the receipt back to BVP 142. If the acknowledgment of the receipt isreceived (decision 226, “YES” branch), BVP 142 proceeds to step 220. Ifthe encrypted enrollment template 148 was not successively sent toclient authentication program 114 (decision 226, “NO” branch), BVP 142proceeds to step 222.

Referring to step 220, BVP 142 discards encrypted enrolment template 148after the copy of the encrypted enrollment template 148 is received byclient authentication program 114. According to an example embodiment,BVP 142 may store only an enrollment template hash value 148 and anenrollment template key 144. All other data related to user biometricsmay be stored on client device 110 and deleted from biometric server140.

Referring to step 222, BVP 142 returns decision to user. According to anexample embodiment, BVP 142 transmits a message that the enrollmentprocess failed to client authentication program 114 that displays themessage to a user. In other embodiment, BVP 142 may transmit a specificmessage, for example, that the biometric sample is invalid if the rawbiometric sample was invalid (decision 206, “NO” branch) or that therewas a problem with a connection if BVP 142 was not able to transmit theencrypted enrollment template 116 to client authentication program 114(decision 218, “NO” branch).

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of BVP 142 during userauthentication, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Referring to step 302, BVP 142 receives initiation of an authenticationflow from client device 110. The authentication flow may be initiated byreceiving a specific data or command from client device 110 via network198.

Referring to step 304, BVP 142 receives a biometric sample and encryptedenrollment template 116 transmitted through encrypted communication.According to an example embodiment, client authentication program 114collects a biometric sample, a current snapshot of the biometric data,with biometric device 112, encrypts the biometric sample together withencrypted enrollment sample 114 and transmits the biometric sample andencrypted enrollment sample 114 in a single payload to BVP 142 vianetwork 198. For example, client authentication program 114 may collecta biometric sample with biometric device 112 and compile an encryptedpayload using asymmetric encryption including (i) the biometric sample,(ii) encoded user template 116, (iii) a nonce, (iv) an answer to theserver challenge, and sends the payload to BVP 142 via network 198. Theserver challenge may be a request for an authentication used in computersecurity. Additionally, a nonce may be an arbitrary number used todetermine communication authenticity and to insure that a communicationwill not be reused in replay attack.

Referring to decision 306, BVP 142 determines whether encryptedenrollment template 116 may be decrypted with a corresponding enrollmenttemplate key 144 associated with the user or client device 110. Forexample, after decryption, specific data that should be located at thespecific location of an enrollment template, such as the first data, maybe required to be equal to the size of the enrollment template. In otherembodiment, enrollment template may be required to be of a specificsize. If encrypted enrollment template 116 may be decrypted withenrollment template key 144 (decision 306, “YES” branch), BVP 142proceeds to step 308. If the encrypted enrollment template 116 may notbe decrypted with enrollment template key 144 (decision 306, “NO”branch), BVP 142 proceeds to step 320.

Referring to step 308, BVP 142 decrypts the encrypted enrollmenttemplate 116 with enrollment template key 144. For example, encryptedenrollment template 116 may be encrypted using asymmetric cryptographywhere enrollment template key 144 is a private key used to decryptencrypted enrollment template 116. According to an example embodiment,BVP 142 may have stored the enrollment template key 144 associated withthe encrypted enrollment template 116 during enrollment process (FIG.2).

Referring to step 310, BVP 142 generates a new hash value from theenrollment template. As previously described, the cryptographic hashfunction that converts data to a hash value may be a checksum functionthat, for example, divides the template data to bytes and sums the bytesup to a final value. According to an example embodiment, BVP 142 may usethe same method of hashing as during the enrollment process in order toreceive the same hash values if the enrollment templates are the same.According to an example embodiment, the new hash value represents thecurrent hash value generated from a current snapshot of the biometricdata.

Referring to decision 312, BVP 142 determines whether the new hash valueand the corresponding enrollment template hash value 148 are the same.According to an example embodiment, BVP 142 may read the storedenrollment template hash value 148 from persistent memory of biometricserver 140. If the new hash value is the same as the enrollment templatehash value 148 (decision 312, “YES” branch), BVP 142 proceeds todecision step 314. If the new hash value is different from the storedenrollment template hash value 148 (decision 312, “NO” branch), BVP 142proceeds to step 320.

Referring to step 314, BVP 142 converts the biometric sample receivedfrom client authentication program 114 to a new template. According toan example embodiment, BVP 142 may use the same method of generating anew template as during the enrollment process. As previously mentioned,for example, a new template may be determined from a predetermined partof the biometric sample captured in a monochromatic image of thefingerprint and saved as the enrollment template in order to compareagainst the previously submitted enrollment template.

Referring to decision 316, BVP 142 determines whether the new templateand the enrollment template are similar based on predetermined tolerancethresholds. According to an example embodiment, BVP 142 compares thetemplates and assesses their similarity according to known methods, suchas a fingerprint template matching method. If the templates are withinpredetermined tolerances of similarity, the templates are consideredsimilar (decision 316, “YES” branch), BVP 142 proceeds to decision 318.If the templates are not within predetermined tolerances of differences(decision 316, “NO” branch), BVP 142 proceeds to step 320.

Referring to step 318, BVP 142 sends an access token to clientauthentication program 114. According to an example embodiment, BVP 142may send an access token to client authentication program 114,corresponding to the service the user was authenticating for and maydiscard all the biometric and encryption data received from clientauthentication program 114 to avoid access to any user biometric data ifserver 140 is compromised.

Referring to step 320, BVP 142 returns a decision to the client device110. According to an example embodiment, BVP 142 transmits a message toclient authentication program 114 stating that authentication failed. Inanother embodiment, BVP 142 transmits a message corresponding to areason for failure, such as encryption is incorrect (decision 306, “NO”branch) or the biometric data is incorrect (decision 312, “NO” branch).

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of components of client device 110 andbiometric server 140, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe present invention. It should be appreciated that FIG. 3 providesonly an illustration of one implementation and does not imply anylimitations with regard to the environments in which differentembodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depictedenvironment may be made.

A client device 110 and a biometric server 140 include communicationsfabric 902, which provides communications between computer processor(s)904, memory 906, persistent storage 908, communications unit 912, andinput/output (I/O) interface(s) 914. Communications fabric 902 may beimplemented with any architecture designed for passing data and/orcontrol information between processors (such as microprocessors,communications and network processors, etc.), system memory, peripheraldevices, and any other hardware components within a system. For example,communications fabric 902 may be implemented with one or more buses.

Memory 906 and persistent storage 908 are computer-readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 906 includes random access memory(RAM) 916 and cache memory 918. In general, memory 906 may include anysuitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage media.

The PFCR 114 program is stored in persistent storage 908 for executionby one or more of the respective computer processors 904 via one or morememories of memory 906. In this embodiment, persistent storage 908includes a magnetic hard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to amagnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage 908 may include asolid-state hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only memory(ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, orany other computer-readable storage media that is capable of storingprogram instructions or digital information.

The media used by persistent storage 908 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 908.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer-readable storage medium that is part of persistent storage 908.

Communications unit 912, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 912 includes one or more network interface cards.Communications unit 912 may provide communications using one or both ofphysical and wireless communications links. The PFCR program 114 may bedownloaded to persistent storage 908 through communications unit 912.

I/O interface(s) 914 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to client device 110 and biometric server140. For example, I/O interface 914 may provide a connection to externaldevices 920 such as a keyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/or someother suitable input device. External devices 920 may also includeportable computer-readable storage media such as, for example, thumbdrives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. Softwareand data used to practice embodiments of the present invention, e.g.,the PFCR program 114 may be stored on such portable computer-readablestorage media and may be loaded onto persistent storage 908 via I/Ointerface(s) 914. I/O interface(s) 914 may also connect to a display922.

Display 922 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor.

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium may be a tangible device that mayretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein may bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, may be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that may directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, may be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

It is to be understood that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that maybe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer may unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities may be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and may bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage may bemonitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which may include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure that includes anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 includes one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community,Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 5 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 may communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 6, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 5) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 6 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers andcorresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 61; RISC(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 62;servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65; and networks andnetworking components 66. In some embodiments, software componentsinclude network application server software 67 and database software 68.

Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers71; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73, including virtual privatenetworks; virtual applications and operating systems 74; and virtualclients 75.

In one example, management layer 80 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning 81 provides dynamic procurement ofcomputing resources and other resources that are utilized to performtasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 82provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloudcomputing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may include applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management 84provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such thatrequired service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planningand fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of,cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipatedin accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation 91; software development and lifecycle management 92; virtualclassroom education delivery 93; data analytics processing 94;transaction processing 95; and distributed storage of authenticationdata 96. Distributed storage of authentication data 96 may relate tofunctionality that allows for the secure storage of an encryptedtemplate of biometric data on a client device while user authenticationis performed by a biometric server that stores only a key to decrypt thebiometric data and a hashing value of the template for templatevalidation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for distributed storage andauthentication of biometric data of a user, comprising: receiving, by abiometric server, a transmission of a biometric sample, an encryptedenrollment template, and a nonce of the user from a client device,wherein the transmission is based on an asymmetrical encryption of thebiometric data using a public key to encrypt the biometric data and aprivate key to decrypt the biometric data, and wherein the encryptedenrollment template comprises an encrypted mathematical representationof historical biometric data of the user, generated by the biometricserver during an enrollment phase, wherein the biometric samplecomprises a current snapshot of the biometric data, and wherein thenonce based on an arbitrary number used to determine communicationauthenticity; decrypting, by the biometric server, the encryptedenrollment template to an enrollment template using an enrollmenttemplate key, wherein the enrollment key was generated and stored on theserver during the enrollment phase; converting, by the biometric server,the biometric sample to a biometric template wherein the biometrictemplate is based on encrypting the biometric sample with the enrollmentkey; based on determining, by the biometric server, that a current hashvalue and an enrollment template hash value associated with the user areidentical and that the biometric template is similar to the enrollmenttemplate associated with the user, sending, by the biometric server, anaccess token to the client device, wherein determining the template issimilar to the enrollment template associated with the user is based ondetermining that a template matching is within predetermined tolerancethresholds, wherein the current hash value determined from the receivedencrypted enrollment template, and wherein the enrollment template hashvalue is stored on the server and generated during the enrollment phase;receiving, during an enrollment phase, a raw biometric sample associatedwith the user; converting the raw biometric sample to the enrollmenttemplate; generating the enrollment template key; encrypting theenrollment template based on the enrollment template key; sending theencrypted enrollment template to the client device; storing theenrollment template key on the biometric server; determining anenrollment template hash value from the enrollment template prior tosending the encrypted enrollment template to the client device, whereinthe enrollment template hash value is associated with a MAC address;based on receiving the encrypted enrollment sample, determining acurrent hash value; and determining that the current hash value and theenrollment template hash value associated with the user are identical.